I never thought that leaving Ladakh and my fellow VISpas would be so hard. I never imagined that "reentering" American society would feel so strange. And I never thought I would miss all of it so much!
The first few days back were really, really hard. After living with a group of nine friends for almost four months I felt so alone. It was so quiet and I didn't always have someone to talk to. Lying in bed the first night back, overwhelmed and jetlagged, I was so confused. It seemed like everything back in little ole RI had changed SO much and yet it all felt way too familiar. I know, in reality, I am the one who has changed but still....its strange.
I feel like everywhere I go I see someone I know. It is nice to see familiar faces. However I am always asked, not very suprisngly, "How was India?!"
And simply, I do not really know how to answer other then "Amazing" or "Incredible." I feel as if I should have some funny or crazy tale to tell but I don't. I think I am still processing it all, trying to reassure myself it was all real and not a dream. It is so hard to summerize my three and half months abroad into such a short time - I feel like I could ramble on and on about my experiences and yet when the time comes, I have nothing to say! Grrrr!
I am not quite over the shock of all the technology we have in America yet. I was making some hot water today....and all I had to do was turn a knob! No fighting with the propane stove and the lighter or working to balance the uneven pot over the flames. It seemed sort of...boring. While the water heated I sat at the counter, reading news online and thinking about the SECMOL kitchen. There I would be talking to Benoy and other students as the water boiled, probably helping to cut up some vegetable or sort through rice or stirring tea. It's just different.
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